Red Mush by Yiyi Wang

Yiyi Wang, Melbourne, Australia Brand: Red Mush Shop: redmush.etsy.com & gongze.etsy.com

I've never had the need to keep eggs warm, but after seeing these cute Red Mush bunnies - I suddenly had the urge to boil lots and lots of eggs. The best part? They double as finger puppets!!

“It's always nice to do it with a friend who shares the same interest so you can encourage each other before you go big. And the most important thing is to enjoy it!”

“I started following design blogs after I graduated from University. I discovered Etsy and realized that there was a whole new world in non-digital design.”

"I graduated from a multimedia design course 1.5 years ago and I'm currently working full time as a multimedia designer. I began pencil sketching when I was 10. In my spare time I enjoy oil painting. I started following design blogs after I graduated from University. I discovered Etsy and realized that there was a whole new world in non-digital design. Early this year I started working on some sewing items with my mum and friends, now I don't have to go fashion shopping that often any more (lol)."

1. What do you call yourself? (e.g., Independent designer, crafter, maker, artist) I call myself web designer + goodies maker.

2. What inspires you? How do you get past crafter's block? It all started from Etsy actually, I never thought handmade could look so good. Although I'm not very good at sewing and knitting, I sometimes team up with my mum to complete the process. And during the process, I realize how fun it is to stay off the computer and actually design by hand.

3. What tool(s) can't you live without? A good computer ... yeah i know I'm still a web addict. I do all my designs digitally and then print them out as templates. I've been using a lot of felt lately, so I would say that felt is the second most important material.

4. Who is your idol, current craft-crush? black apple! ... she was the first seller to do well on Etsy and encouraged me to start a handmade shop. I read her blog regularly and got lots of inspiration from her.

5. How long have you been doing this? On and off since may 2007

6. Where did you learn your craft? Mainly through the web, I read a lot of blogs to get inspiration and check out tutorials from others, maybe I'll make a tutorial someday once i have some killer tips to teach you guys.

7. Do you do this full-time? If not, what pays the bills? I work as a full-time multimedia designer at the moment. I have a big support team behind the shop to keep me working on new products for the shop (mum, aunties, and friends ...)


8. How would you describe your style? Cute.

9. What are your top 3 favorite blogs? decor8.blogspot.com, apartmenttherapy.com and mashable.com (not related to design but more of an internet gossip about internet lol). But there are lots more I read!

10. Can you share any of your favorite sources for supplies? I shop from spotlight most of the time, love the big warehouse in Boxhill Victoria Australia. And my felt resource is myself, I sell felt fabric in my shop as well.